Health & Fitness
2014 HEALIUM BALL – BRINGING BACK LUXE!
The 2014 Healium Ball, hosted by ECHN Community Healthcare Foundation, was held on June 7 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. The event raised more than $315,000 to benefit the DeQuattro Cancer Center Fund, the Meg Berté Owen Survivorship Fund and the DeQuattro Cancer Research Navigation Fund at the John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center in Manchester. Over the past five years, this event has raised more than $1.5 million to benefit these funds.
The Healium Ball is a celebration by the community of the advanced services offered at the Eastern Connecticut Cancer Institute, housed at the John A. DeQuattro Cancer Center. The black-tie event began with an elegant cocktail reception in an area decorated with lime green and silver floral arrangements. The ballroom was stylishly adorned with black and white tied draperies and glittering chandeliers. The 450 guests were entertained by impersonators from Michel Entertainment, Manchester, Connecticut: The Rat Pack, Marilyn Monroe, Joan Rivers, and Lucy and Ricky. Nina Kruse, Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, and ECHN President & CEO Peter Karl welcomed the guests. A gourmet dinner was followed by dancing to the music provided by Timmy Maia and his band, a favorite of the Ball patrons.
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The event proceeds will be used to support three critical navigation programs associated with the Eastern Connecticut Cancer Institute. These services provide non-reimbursable care that support patients and families before, during and after medical treatments. The programs are vital to the overall healing of cancer patients and help guide them through their journey.
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“This year’s Healium Ball will continue to support the great work the Nurse Navigator and Survivorship Programs provide, as well as help launch a Cancer Research Navigator Program,” said Claudio Capone, Administrative Director of the Eastern Connecticut Cancer Institute. “Along with our community physicians, ECHN will be able to increase the type and number of clinical trials offered to our community. Today’s trials become tomorrow’s answers in the quest to find a cure.”
“This year’s Presenting Sponsor, Community CancerCare, contributed $50,000, and we are extremely grateful for their support,” said Kruse. “We would also like to recognize Rockville Bank Foundation for its donation of $15,000, in addition to the following sponsors who made contributions of $10,000 to this event: Ambulance Service of Manchester; Eastern Connecticut Pathology Consultants, PC; Mrs. Josephine Krikorian; Manchester Road Race; the Auxiliary of Manchester Memorial Hospital; and Twin Networks.” Flower arrangements were generously donated by ShopRite of Manchester, and bottles of wine were kindly donated by Chris and Carolyn Didden.
The contributions from individuals, families and organizations are valued and critical to keeping navigation programs flourishing at the Eastern Connecticut Cancer Institute. “We can't begin to express our thanks and gratitude to everyone who made this event a great success,” said Kruse.
Who's Who In The Photo:
The 2014 Healium Ball Committee: (from L to R) Standing: Carolina Starr-Manning, Claudio Capone, Rebecca Janenda, Deborah Parker, Kathleen O’Neill, Julia Hanna, Valerie DeQuattro, Jodi Huyler, and Nina Kruse / Seated: Mary Powers, Linda Lemire, Josephine Krikorian, Marilyn Peracchio, Kye Cohen, Susan Berté, and Donna Karl.
